Moscow: EU efforts in Belgrade-Pristina dialogue fail

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday that “the efforts of the European Union” in mediating the Belgrade – Pristina dialogue on normalisation of relations “have failed,” adding Moscow would insist on the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution 1244, the Beta news agency reported.

The Thursday's meeting in Brussels mediated by the European High Representative Federica Mogherini between Serbia’s and Kosovo’s presidents Aleksandar Vucic and Hashim Thaci respectively ended with no results, casting doubt on any perspective of a new encounter.

“We actively supported the Belgrade – Pristina dialogue in looking for a solution acceptable to both sides. We supported the EU mediating role in the dialogue,” Lavrov said, adding that “it is obvious that the EU efforts failed.”

He blamed Pristina for refusing to implement the so far reached agreements. Lavrov explained he primarily thought about Kosovo’s failure to form the Community of Serb Municipalities (CSM) and Pristina’s intention to create own army.

He added Kosovo “is pressured into the move from outside,” and mainly by the US, in violation of the international law and the UN SC Resolution 1244.

Among other things, the Resolution from 1999 authorises the UN to facilitate a political process to determine Kosovo's future status. "The resolution reaffirms calls for 'substantial autonomy and meaningful self-administration for Kosovo'."

During a joint news conference with his counterpart from the Union of the Comoros Souef Mohamed El-Amin in Moscow, Lavrov said Russia welcomed the country’s decision to withdraw the recognition of Kosovo.

Lavrov said Moscow would continue to insist on the implementation of the Resolution 1244 “which stipulates that Kosovo is a part of Serbia,” adding all further steps in resolving the situation between Belgrade and Pristina should respect the Resolution and be based on it.

Earlier on Friday, Kosovo's President Hashim Thaci said his side in the talks in Brussels on Thursday “had a fair and balanced attitude regarding the replacement of (UN Security Council) Resolution 1244.”

Any change of the existing or passing a new resolution can be vetoed by a UN Security Council permanent member, including Russia and China.